According to a Paramount spokesman, the assailant – "allegedly under the influence of narcotics" – stormed onto the set with two companions and took aim at Bay's head with the unit. Bay duly "ducked and wrested the air conditioner from his attacker, preventing what could have been a serious accident". The director then apparently subdued his attacker, who was later arrested by police, along with two other men.

The studio report went on to repudiate claims made earlier in the day that Bay had been attacked by two brothers. "Contrary to several erroneous news reports made today, Bay did not get hurt in a fight on set," Paramount said.